A brain injury attorney will be able to collect evidence that reveals liability and accident details. They may also gather eyewitness statements and safety records from the company in question. They will also arrange for a medical evaluation by a trusted medical expert. Additionally, they will consult with financial and economic experts to determine the expected loss of their client. These professionals will help them evaluate the damages and determine the right amount to pursue for compensation. This type of personal injury lawyer is a great resource for individuals suffering from the devastating effects of a brain injury.
Accidents that can cause a traumatic brain injury
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, the victim may experience seizures, but this condition does not usually lead to death. However, if the injury does not receive immediate medical attention, the brain injury may become more severe and even fatal. Some TBI survivors may need rehabilitation to learn how to perform daily tasks. The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can last for several months. A combination of these symptoms may occur, and the individual may need several treatments.
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a person is struck or falls, often with enough force to damage the brain. The impact of a blow to the head may cause the brain to hit the inner wall of the skull, tearing brain fibers. In extreme cases, a piece of the skull can penetrate brain tissue and cause bleeding. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common causes of TBIs, accounting for fourteen percent of all cases. Other causes include assaults, falls, gunshot wounds, and sports.
In many cases, the resulting injury is so severe that the brain has been dislocated from its original position. The brain can be rotated inside the boney skull, shredding long nerve fibers. In this case, the victim may collapse or enter a coma. These conditions can result in a severe traumatic brain injury, but many of them can be managed with rehabilitation and other methods.
TBIs can be mild or severe, and the severity of the damage depends on the type of trauma the victim experiences. Mild injuries may only result in a brief change in consciousness or mental state. In severe cases, patients may fall unconscious and experience prolonged coma. Severe TBIs may lead to death or significant disability. So, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you think that you or someone you know has sustained a traumatic brain injury.
There are several types of TBI, including open and closed. Open TBIs involve a fractured skull, while closed TBIs do not. Concussion is the most common type of TBI, and may be mild but may result in a blood clot. Other forms of TBIs involve a diffuse axonal injury, which occurs when the skull shears a part of the brain, while penetrating injuries result in a sharp object entering the brain.
Legal options for victims of a traumatic brain injury
If someone else caused your traumatic brain injury, you have legal options. These claims can be filed in court if the negligent party failed to protect you or your loved ones. This includes spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, and siblings. If your loved one died as a result of your injuries, you may also be able to seek a wrongful death claim against that person or business.
Although brain injuries are often not immediately recognizable, the effects can be long-lasting. Untreated, your brain may suffer from significant damage that will affect your ability to think and process information. The consequences of traumatic brain injuries are largely unpredictable, but they can result in significant financial loss and lasting mental health problems. If left untreated, your injuries may even affect your ability to focus, function in the workplace, and maintain personal relationships.
Many victims of traumatic brain injuries also experience life-changing personality changes. Treatment for these injuries can take years and cost millions of dollars over the lifetime of the patient. If your injuries are the result of negligence, contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options. The attorneys at David Resnick & Associates understand the financial and emotional toll a brain injury can have on you and your family. There is nothing worse than losing a loved one or your job because of a traumatic brain injury.
If your TBI is caused by negligence, you should seek medical attention. A doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history. If necessary, your physician may order diagnostic tests, imaging studies, or other procedures. In addition, your doctor may refer you to a doctor for treatment of conditions related to TBI. Once you are sure that you have suffered a TBI, you should contact a personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal options.
The lawyers of the insurance companies and at-fault parties want your case dismissed if they are not at fault. It may feel intimidating to go against them without an attorney. However, a lawyer will be able to represent your interests in court and negotiate on your behalf. You may also be able to receive a larger compensation if you are able to prove the negligence. And since you need medical care and treatment, you should hire a lawyer to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury
Even if a person sustains only a mild traumatic brain injury, the impact can be significant. It’s important to get to the hospital as soon as possible. If you suffer a more severe traumatic brain injury, call 911 or an ambulance. Your doctor can assess the injury and help you determine whether you have a serious condition. Your healthcare provider will discuss the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury with you and discuss treatment options.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include impaired memory, confusion, seizures, and difficulty concentrating. If the traumatic brain injury causes a loss of consciousness, the affected area is prone to bleeding. The brain may swell against the skull, reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood. This secondary injury is more serious than the original injury, and needs to be treated promptly.
The most common cause of traumatic brain injury is a blow to the head or body. The force of the impact will determine the extent of damage to brain cells. Minor traumatic brain injury may only cause bruising and bleeding, while more severe traumatic brain injuries may cause long-term complications and even death. Even minor brain damage can cause profound physical and psychological symptoms, and it is vital that people seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent more severe damage.
TBI usually results from a blow to the head, but can also involve a partial section of the brain. Some common causes of TBI include car crashes, falls, pedestrian accidents, assaults with or without weapons, and sports. In the U.S., approximately 50,000 people experience traumatic brain injuries every year. About 14 percent of these injuries are due to motor vehicle accidents, and fifteen percent are the result of an impact with an object. Domestic violence and work-related accidents are also among the common causes of TBI, and the effects of TBI are often long-term.
Long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury
The long-term effects of a traumatic brain incident depend on the severity of the injury. Mild TBI may have no ill effects, while chronic TBI may lead to a wide range of symptoms. The brain attempts to compensate for the missing area by forming a new pathway. The new pathway isn’t as efficient as the original one, and it can result in an atrophy of certain parts of the brain. Because of this, the person may not be able to smell, taste, or smell properly.
If the traumatic brain injury is mild, 60% of patients will recover completely with no or minimal lingering symptoms. The statistics for severe TBI are much grimmer: 33% will die and another 25%-33% will experience a moderate to severe disability. Thankfully, some people can recover from their TBI to a large degree through rehabilitation. These treatments may include removing blood clots and relieving pressure from the brain.
The long-term effects of a traumatic brain damage are complex, and patients can face many challenges. A patient may be unable to fully recover after a single incident, or they may have permanent disabilities. For some patients, symptoms of a TBI may not manifest for months or even years after the injury. In these cases, a patient’s treatment can address the root causes.
Seizures can occur even in the early stages of the injury. Other long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury include a build-up of fluid in the brain, a condition called hydrocephalus. Fluid can also leak from the skull, which increases the pressure on the brain. A skull fracture can tear protective tissues surrounding the brain, exposing the brain to harmful bacteria. Bacteria can enter the brain through the meninges, which can spread throughout the entire nervous system.
Even mild TBIs can affect emotional control. People with traumatic brain injuries may be easily irritated or express anger more frequently than normal. It is important to regain emotional control during the healing process. Cognitive rehabilitation can help restore this control and establish new neural pathways. Cognitive rehabilitation is an important part of post-TBI care. If you think your symptoms may be due to depression or anxiety, it’s best to consult a professional for further diagnosis and treatment options.